USA > Pennsylvania > History of the First regiment infantry, National guard of Pennsylvania (Grey Reserves) 1861-1911, pt 2 > Part 26
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42
At the adjourned annual meeting, of April 28, 1894, upon Colonel Wiedersheim's re-election. Col. R. Dale Benson and Col. Sylvester Bonnaffon, Jr., elected for the first time to serve with him, began their long and uninterrupted career as senior and junior vice-commander, respectively.
At the January meeting of 1895, Comrade Samuel B. Huey read a paper of much interest and rich historic value, entitled, " Remembrances of Blockade Life and the Assault on Fort Fisher." Close attention followed his every utterance, and at its conclusion he was heartily applauded and sincerely thanked.
On the same evening Comrade Jos. R. C. Ward presented a copy of the History of the One Hundred and Sixth Pennsylvania Volunteers.
Major Edwin N. Benson, calling attention to the fact of the noticeable absence of a stand of colors, which the organization should never have been without, generously offered to furnish one. His offer was enthusiastically accepted and with a rising vote he was thanked for his generosity.
The stand of colors was formally presented to the Corps on the occasion of the Thirty-fourth Anniversary Banquet at the same time with and preceding the presentation of the portraits of the ex-colonels. Major Edwin N. Benson's speech. with its beautiful allusions to Edward Everett Hale's immortal legend of " A Man Without a Country," was long remembered as an oratorieal gem.
-
634
HISTORY OF THE FIRST REGIMENT, N. G. P.
1911
After the flags had been unfurled and marched around the room, the entire company standing, the sentiment inspiring, the enthu. siasm impulsive, to the "three cheers for Old Glory" there was hearty demonstrative response. General Latta responded with a speech of acceptance.
The Veteran Corps, from the beginning, had been gathering relies, papers, documents, original matter, mementos, souvenirs, arms, equipment and uniformis, for preservation and exhibition ; of increasing value with the years, the future will accord them in- estimable worth. Many are of special moment and directly con- cern the First Regiment. Not the least of these is the original commission of Col. P. C. Ellmaker as the first colonel. In the absence of all official or original records at Harrisburg, of the formation and organization of the First Regiment, it would seem, as has been previously shown, to be the only link in the possession of the regiment that binds it to an authoritative past.1
With a view to enlarging the scope of this collection, adding to its usefulness, and increasing its value, the initiative taken by Colonel Bonnaffon, a committee subsequently charged with its execution, it was determined that the portraits in oil, of the ex- colonels, each in the uniform he wore while in commission, should be painted, framed, and placed upon the walls of the Veteran Corps Room, which is as well the relic room, the room now so known and in use by the Corps in the new armory building. The portraits were those of Colonels Ellmaker, Kneass, Smith, Prevost. MeMichael, Latta, Benson, and Wiedersheim.
The work of the artist had so neared completion that provision was made to make their presentation to the Corps the distinguishing feature of the Veteran Corps' Annual Banquet, at the Union League, in commemoration of the Regiment's Thirty- fourth Anniversary, April 19. 1895.
1 In the minutes of the Veteran Corps of January 20, 1892 (see Adjutant's Minute Book), there appears the following:
"Comrade Wm. II. Kern presented to the Corps through Commander Allen. the original and first commission of Col. P. C. Ellmaker, as Colonel of the Regiment. On motion of Jun. V. Com'd, a resolution that the thanks of the Corps be tendered Comrade Kern for the same, and that it be suitably framed and placed in the Armory, was unanimously adopted."
1911
635
PRESENTATION OF PORTRAITS
Out of the usual course in more elaborate preparations, floral display, decorations and appointments, the presence of ladies after the feast was over and the speaking began, the glitter and glamour of uniforms and accoutrements of the Veteran Corps and their military guests, the historie distinctiveness of the occasion has its best recollections for preservation in the two speeches which here - follow: Col. Clayton MeMichael's, in presentation of the por- traits, and Comrade Samuel B. Huey's, in acceptance, speeches that for shapely phrase, rich and persuasive rhetoric, real historic worth, have but few rivals in the postprandial eloquence of the times.
Colonel Clayton MeMichael's speech of presentation :
The duty assigned to me has been undertaken with some diffidence and with much pleasure. No citizen of Philadelphia could realize more earnestly how deep should be the appreciation of patriotism created by recalling the loyal contribution of each of our companions, who-e portraits here displayed are for all time hereafter to be guarded and cherished by the Veteran Corps and by the First Regiment. No one can look upon these faces with a higher pride in the indisputable knowledge that from the foundation of the Republic no military organization in this or in any other State has been honored by an unbroken succession of commanders so noble of purpose, so sacrificing of self, so pure in thought and so brave in action, as this phalanx of heroes on whose shoulders have rested the eagles of that ever-glorious corps of true American soldiery, the First Regiment of Infantry of the mighty Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Most difficult it is fitly to fill the measure of gratitude due to these men, dead and living, and to their unflinching comrades, for their protection of our homes; for their repulse of the invaders who marshalled the cohorts of treason and flaunted the banners of rebellion almost at the gates of our State capital; for their magnificent heroism in fiercer and niore desperate contliets to preserve the integrity of the nation and uphold the supremacy of our ever-adored Flag, the symbol of its unity; for their emphasis of law and their maintenance of order during days of dangerous domestic disturb- ances; and haply not less potent to the enduring betterment of mankind; for their generous gifts of time. of courage, of blood in need. for the service of the generations in which they have lived and for the service of the genera- tions not yet conceived.
Yes, let these portraits be carried to your altars and hung on your Armory walls. Tokens of highest reverence forever: to canonize these teachers of illustrious examples. The time may come-though God be praised the decrees of Nature will have swept from the possibilities of that understand- ing all who shared in the then-to-be-forgotten deeds-when the American Civil War may be held as a tradition. exeiting no more emotion than the calmness with which all men of the Anglo-Saxon raee look back to the Wars of the Roses, the -anguinary feuds of York and Lancaster, which in their course arrayed upon the two opposing sides the people of a whole kingdom. The
636
HISTORY OF THE FIRST REGIMENT, N. G. P.
1911
time may come -- perhaps the prescience of some living optimists may already see the signs -- when all men shall live in harmony. The time may come when the iron hand and the relentless force of capital will be turned always to a fair partnership with labor, and not to constant contests of its claims. The time may come when ignorance and folly and hunger and long-suffering will recognize that statutes constituted by intelligence must be accepted as a common benefit, not to be disputed by violence. When such things as these shall come to pass, and not until they have come to pass, will these pictured presentments cease to convey their exalting story of duty sacredly contem- plated and of duty faithfully performed. Faithful all, from the instant of that seant gathering in April. 1861, when he was patriot among patriots most riehly endowed, my beloved father. Morton MeMichael, named to your just forming regiment its first Colonel, until this very hour when-under Colonel Wendell P. Bowman, a leader whose merits need no spokesman in this gathering-its full quota of high-spirited young Americans assemble with equal readiness to prove the members of the First Regiment, as on this day thirty-four years ago, second to no body of men in all the world, in honor, in valor, and in prompt obedience to their country's summons.
COLONEL PETER C. ELLMAKER
Well done, thou good and faithful servant! Iu what better than in the soft syllables of Holy Writ ean we sound our sentences of eulogy? Well done, thou good and faithful servant! Well done, who from the unaccustomed levies of gray-bearded men and stripling boys, unused and, presumably, un- suitable to arms, forged and welded in the fire of most loyal fervor, that coherent and shapely mass-the Gray Reserves-whose solid form and firm step paraded through the streets of Philadelphia, taught fear-burdened women to sleep quiet in their beds; and timid men, apprehensive of unknown alarms, to turn again with a new freshened faith to their treasures or their toils. Well done, thou of gaunt and giant stature, whose grim figure and thunder-emulating voice made thee in outward form the type of single-pur- posed and stern-visaged Puritan: but in whose gentle heart lay tenderness so sweet that prattling children played unhindered with thy hanging sword- PETER CLARKSON ELLMAKER.
COLONEL NAPOLEON B. KNEASS
For those among the quick as well as for those who are no longer mortal, it should be for some more gifted a welcome task to cull from the flowers of rhetorie for each a separate garland, more beautiful than any my poor skill might weave. Let such panegyrist or biographer attempt to portray for these of their whole deserving. Yet, at least for those whose lives are now but memories, may not we also trespass upon silence to say, " Well done, thou good and faithful servant "; and thus bare our heads to him who was first to lead you. Veterans of the Gray Reserves. to the expectation of collision on the battlefield with the armed legions of southern insurrection. To him, soldier-citizen. citizen-soldier: alert : watchful; sagacious and brave- NAPOLEON BONAPARTE KNEASS.
637
.
1911
PRESENTATION SPEECH
COLONEL CHARLES S. SMITH
So let us speak to that vigorous. untiring, much-esteemed veteran, whose devotion to his country brought him to the command of one of the companies of the Gray Reserves at a period of life when the law exempts all men and when the sluggish currents in our arteries usually dull the fiery ardor that befits the soldier. A Colonel, he, who in spite of his more than three- score years, shared every fatigue of the drill. every hardship of the camp. and every danger of those perilous days of 1863, with the unfaltering tread, the ever-encouraging voice. the eagerness for action and the disregard of self. of fervent boyhood. Well done! To him whom you of the Veteran Corp- wisely chose to be your own first chieftain: to him of loyal blood and loyal heart: to him whose life began before the century was born and who did not lay down his rights of comradeship in your pleasures and your cares until more than eighty years had been numbered in his career of usefulness and honor-CHARLES SOMERS SMITII.
COLONEL CHARLES M. PREVOST
To him, also, indeed well done, cavalier and Christian both! who, with every charm of presence and full dignity of mien, was the embodiment of graces that were his heritage from courtier and warrior-alike renowned for virtue and for daring-from whose loins had been sped no corrupting germ. With such purity of thought and such unfearing heart, there seemed to live again some ancestral Crusader, while upon his own soul most surely was inscribed. as his forefathers had engraved upon their shields: " Strength from on high." Recklessly gallant on many a field of strife, a cavalier he was without a blemish and without a stain: while in the days of peace. true to his high ideals, he lived for the good he found in the world, and not for its gains! So gentle. that even in the darkest shadows of the awful woe which for many saddened days shut the whole earth from his sight, he breathed no more complaining sounds than the submissive Christian's sign of resignation, "God's will be done."-CHARLES MALLET PREVOST-Well done. thou good and faithful servant!
COLONEL JAMES W. LATTA
For a brief moment let us halt in these tear-accented epicedian rites to speak our regret that time denies to-night fair tribute to the living. That in this gallery of heroic work we must pass by with but a marehing salute -- JAMES WILLIAM LATTA-who showed in the years of his coloneley. as he had shown before in battle. and in bivouac of actual war, and as he has shown since in grave responsibilities of great public trust-that rare com- bination of the qualities of excellence, courage. ability and integrity.
COLONEL R. DALE BENSON
Nor may we linger to say enough of one for whom no heart pulses in admiration greater than does my own. To be inute seems almost to be traitor to a childhood friend-hip. cemented in tramp and tent during the elbow- .
-
1911
HISTORY OF THE FIRST REGIMENT, N. G. P.
63S
touching trials of the Rebellion. A friendship, which, doubtless to endure until we have conquered the great mystery, could know no privilege higher than to utter unstinted praise of the distinguished soldier, and not less distinguished citizen. to whom no laurels have been alluring and no reward a temptation beyond the self-consciousness of duty well and truly done. . 1 master of discipline. a master of strategy, a master of the confidenee of men: the painter is yet unfound whose hand has traced upon the silent canvas the lineaments of one held more closely in his comrades' love, or better in this world's esteem, than he of prowess unsurpassed. who, familiar with every surrounding danger, and with his own body over nearest the foe, led his men through the jaws of brutal ambush into the tiger-blooded mob with the same calm asurance with which he had displayed their proficiency on dress parade. He whose modesty still keeps his cheek in rosy blush ;- our dear RICHARD DALE BENSON.
COLONEL THEODORE E. WIEDERSHEIM
Theodore Edward Wiedershein: Him, too, we must neglect. Wiedersheim who, despite the cares of a most busy life, never neglected anything if by his labor or by his skill he might make easier the burdens of some fellow- creatures. Dauntless Wiedersheim, who won the right to colonel's spurs long before he had the rank to wear them. A captain so valiant that all about him learned to know his worth. Wiedersheim, who faced peril or pleasure with the same sweet smile. and with ever precise elegance made the newest recruit and him oldest of the files alike to know that nothing can be too neatly nor too exactly done, not even fighting. The shining sword his predecessor had so proudly laid down lost nothing of its lustre while wielded in his hand; and where'er the honors of this regiment be sung, all tongues will join in verse of praise to him: Well done, Wiedersheim!
COLONEL WILLIAM MCMICHAEL
My fellow-soldiers and my fellow-citizens, my task is almost done. But what of him of whom no other here could find it so hard to speak? He was the most recent among these good commanders to be mustered into iminor- tality; and if it be true, as the poet has made the Recording Angel say. that God loves him best who best did love his fellow-man, no more favored soldier will stand with the Celestial Guard of the Almighty's throne. His exquisite and gentle nature suspected no guile in others because itself of that vice barren. Believing all honest ambitions to be unselfish, he supposed neither animosities nor jealousies to exist el-ewhere. as to himself such heartburnings were unknown. The military confidant of some of the greatest captains of modern times, of Fremont, of Halleck, of George H. Thomas and of Rosecrans; and the selected and trusted agent of greater than of these-of Lincoln and of Grant-he knew no other law of fidelity than that which he has practised in the charges reposed in him. His faith in those whom he assumed to be his friends was implicit. and in his loyalty he ever ascribed any shortcoming in their interest to some lacking in his own example. Had there been but his alone. we should have needed no different text. Before the day, in 1961, whose anniversary this day you celebrate, he stood, musket in hand. offering himself for the defence of his country. From that hour until the suppression of the Rebellion, he shared in every vicissi-
1911
ACCEPTANCE OF PORTRAITS
639
tudde 'of military service, including the hazards of battle and the miseries of southern prisons, caring nothing for fame, but striving always to meet the call of duty. Duty! the watchword of his life. Duty to his country first, then duty to his fellow-men. Duty to teach them. Duty to persuade them to the right. Duty to contend with them against injustice. Duty to fight for them against wrong. In his marvellous oratory, and in his matchless rhetorie. sometimes pleading and sometimes arraigning, but always defending the weak, the wretched and the down-trodden. It seems but yesterday we listened to the lips, across which none ever knew a foul thought to pass, give voice to love profound for this fair city of his birth. It seems but yesterday his cheery laugh resounded in these halls. It seems but yesterday your hands and his were clasped in soldierly fraternity. It seems. alas! but yesterday-for it was but two years ago this very night he died-that church chimes rang and white-robed choir chanted hymns, and reverent hundreds knelt in mournful prayer to say to him. " Well done." Dutiful son. affee- tionate brother, tender husband, loving father, devoted friend and conscientious eitizen. where may we look for better in example? Patient and forbearing. earnest and sincere, loyal and true, fearless and bold, capable and wise, learned and eloquent : Well done, thou good and faithful servant, WILLIAM McMICHAEL.
Members of the Veteran Corps of the First Regiment, from the donors I now deliver to you these portraits. Whatever the distinetions of those whom they represent-and my poor phrases have most inadequately referred to them -chief, first and highest among all was that which through the grace of the Almighty God each one of us shares with each one of them, the right to say, I am an American citizen.
Comrade Samuel B. Huey, on behalf of the Veteran Corps, in acceptance of the portraits, said :
Mr. Commander and Gentlemen: It was with no slight degree of pride that I found myself selected to represent the Veteran Corps on this occasion. To speak for others is always a responsibility; to speak for men who have earned a place in the world's regard is a distinction.
Perhaps the most appropriate of all replies to the eloquent remarks which have been made by the gentlemen who spoke on behalf of those who to-night present us with the portraits which grace these walls would be the expressive words: "Thanks. heartfelt thanks," and yet custom and the expectations of our guests furnish the excuse for a more elaborate response.
It is a fortunate thing that in the rush and hurry of our busy lives incidents like this occur and take us out of and away from the daily routine of existence.
We are largely creatures of habit, and despite convictions of duty and resolutions of right doing, we slip into grooves to the detriment of ourselves and others. Nothing better serves the purpose of jostling us out of rits, continuing our interests in the movements of our fellow beings. keeping us in touch with the growth and solution of the world's great problems, and insuring the life and influence of elevating and controlling impulses, than the celebration of important events.
----
610
1911
HISTORY OF THE FIRST REGIMENT, N. G. P.
We live in a vortex of business, suits, stocks, bonds, and money-making. Into the church, the club, the home and our most joyous festivities comes the shadow of the shop, and the man whose talk is all of the street. We tire of it, but stolidly endure it. And yet how eagerly we gather round the ex pression of real sentiment outside of the shop, especially if it be one which summons memories of past companionships of shared trials and hardships. of struggles and proud achievements, of braved dangers and accomplished results.
We who were upon the stage of action during the Civil War recall in moments like these, as if it were but yesterday, the scenes and events which have been touched upon in the presentation address with such graphic descriptive power. It was a rare privilege to have been a participant in those stirring scenes.
The classics of the world have been enriched by the writing of the lives of Grant, Sherman, Sheridan, Meade, Thomas, Reynolds, MePherson, and a host of others, each wearing a halo of glory all his own: and students of history will add to Thermopyl, Yorktown. Saratoga, Waterloo, the Crimea. Sedan and Paris the names of Fort Henry and Fort Donelson, Corinth. Vieksburg, Lookout Mountain, Atlanta, Wilderness, Gettysburg and Rich- mond. But the master artists who catch the spirit of the times in which battles were fought will never rest until they place on enduring monuments the names of the officers and men who fought under the mighty generals, and by their zeal, intelligence, bravery and indomitable perseverance gave them the victories which have made their names immortal. The details of the pictures which the next generation will paint in imagination would in- deed be incomplete unless they embraced the men who led regiments and companies, as well as those who wore the stars.
And if, when the speaker and the artist have completed their story. the question is raised-Why the struggle? What the cause which led up to heroic acts ?- these portraits will lead to a further answer.
" Centuries ago." runs a legend, " in the older world of Asia there lived an Indian prince in oriental splendor and magnificence. He loved a maiden. beautiful and pure, and brought her to his palace as his royal bride. As time passed by, his love for her only grew the stronger, and for her gratifica- tion he founded cities and built magnificent palaces. At last he built a palace grander than all, of the finest material, ornamented with the brightest and purest gems. where he could worship at the shrine of her he so loved. Its delicately beautiful architecture was the marvel of all men. Just as the vision of its splendor burst upon her the forbidding shadow of Azrael. the Angel of Death. swept across her path, and the potentate. bowed down in grief at the loss of her whom he had all too fondly cherished. dedicated to her as her abode in death that matchlessly beautiful palace in which he had fondly hoped to see her live."
Years ago our forefathers, at the cost of struggle. endurance, wounds. suffering and life itself, reared in this western world a palace, rich in all that makes character and honor, where they hoped that the priceless gom of Liberty should forever dwell. The nations of the world gazed with in- tensest interest. and as the Grecian sailors in ancient times looked at the golden state of Minerva on the Acropolis, and bowed in reverent awe as they caught the gleam of the morning sun on its burnished shield and helmet, so did the oppressed of all nationalities look to see the reflection
1911
SPEECH OF ACCEPTANCE
641
of manhood from the experiment of self-government, and bend listening ears to catch the notes of Liberty's anthem, while our fathers drew such inspiration i:om their gem that progress and Christian civilization advanced with giant strides. Such a century had never been marked on the dial of time. But ruthless hand, were laid on the palace, mighty instruments of destruction attacked its foundations, disloyal servitors proved traitors to their trust, and the fair fabric seemed tottering to its tall. The shadow of Azrael eame sweeping over it, and it seemed doomed to be the sepulchre instead of the home of Liberty. Then, as a wild cry of despair came wafted on the breeze, it was met by a stern shout of defiance. From north and east and west the children of Liberty came forth, full panoplied for her defence. Patriotism, loyalty and honor asserted their power. Their bugle call was an inspiration. Men-these men-and a mighty host of others, made glad response. The advancing host was hurled back, distrust was driven out, the taint of slavery was washed away with drops of blood-the palace was saved-Liberty enthroned as never before in a safe abiding place and not in a tomb, and obedience to the Constitution and the law made an inflexible and inviolable rule. Such was the reason and the history of the struggle.
And when the story is finished, and the full meaning of flag and trophy, uniform and portrait, is thus explained, the flame of patrioti-in will burst forth, and there will be born an appreciation such as could in no other way be created of the surpassing value of that which cost so much of treasure and of blood, an unswerving purpose to preserve and defend it, and a consecration to noble living and a loyal support of the government.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.